In 1989, Mark Davis threw 92.2 innings, had an ERA of 1.85, and saved 44 games. He won the Cy Young and entered free agency looking for a big contract. The Kansas City Royals gave him one. Davis signed a three-year deal worth $9.375 million, an incredible salary for a closer in 1990.

It was a disaster. Davis pitched 167.2 innings in a little more than two seasons in Kansas City. His ERA was 5.31, with an unsightly WHIP of 1.712. He saved seven games for the Royals. 

Kansas City has avoided big-name free agents ever since. The few times the Royals have dabbled, they’ve been burned more often than not.

Here’s a brief look at a few of those deals:

1992—David Cone, three years, $18 million, 3.17 ERA. Worked out
2007—Jose Guillen, three years, $36 million, rWAR of -2.3. Did not work out
2006—Gil Meche, 5 years, $55 million, pitched great for two seasons, then his ERA was over 5 the next two years, and injuries caused him to retire before the fifth season. Did not work out
2016—Ian Kennedy, 5 years, $70 million, only started 86 games for KC before moving to the bullpen. Did not work out
2024—Seth Lugo, two years, $30 million. Pitched great for a season and a half, KC gave him a two-year, $46 million extension, and he promptly got injured. Outcome undetermined

The Royals just haven’t spent their money on the right free agents, often choosing players whose best days are behind them. 

To their credit, the Royals did extend homegrown stars shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia to generous extensions, but they haven’t done much to improve the offense around them this offseason. 

The free agent market isn’t the Royals’ friend. They have little interest in competing with teams like the Dodgers, who agreed to a ridiculous four-year, $240 million deal with Kyle Tucker. Bo Bichette could have been a nice long-term addition, but he’s agreed to an equally stupendous deal with the Mets at three years, $126 million. 

If the Royals hope to ever compete with some of the other teams that are willing to spend, Kansas City must open its wallet. While Witt and Garcia are in their prime, now would be the time to do it. 

Royals owner John Sherman is a billionaire, and he hasn’t necessarily cheap with his payroll, but the team hasn’t gone after any big-name free agents either. Now, the market has gone crazy. 

One big factor for the Royals is the uncertainty about TV revenue. MLB will be controlling that for Kansas City and several other teams this season, and who knows what dollars will be available. Yes, the Royals could get more creative with deferrals on big, long-term contracts like other teams have, but the future is cloudy right now. 

The Royals want a new stadium but are having trouble finding taxpayers to help fund it. There is a dark cloud hanging over the game, as it seems certain there will be a long lockout next season. 

One thing seems certain, however. If the Royals don’t figure out a way to bring in a big bat this spring, they are in danger of wasting the best years of Witt’s career. There are still some possible trade targets out there, like second baseman/outfielder Brendan Donovan and second baseman Nico Hoerner, but they are going to have to part with some starting pitching depth, and they are hesitant to do so. 

The Royals could spend more money, but they won’t, and Witt is in his prime right now.Â